can could have to will may ought to

must mustn’t need needn’t should would rather

would might used to be used to get used to had better

Uses
1. to ask for something politely : could, may Decide which of the
2. to offer to do something: can, would modal verbs in the box
below correspond to the
3. to express a strong advice: had better different uses. Sometimes
4. absence of obligation: needn’t, don’t have to more than one modal is
5. to express preferences: would rather possible.
6. to express obligation: have to, must
7. to be accustomed to doing something: be used to
8. to give advice: should, ought to
9. to express possibility: may, might
10. to express future predictions: will
11. to become accustomed to doing something: get used to
12. to express necessity: need
13. to express habits or routines in the past: used to
14. to express prohibition: mustn’t

Choose the correct word or phrase to complete the following sentences.

1. We are not completely sure but Cindy _______ come 8. I ___________ rather you checked my exercise before
back tomorrow. giving it to the teacher.
a. needn’t b. may c. ought a. would b. should c. ought to
2. When I was a child, in the summer afternoons we 9. ____________ I use your mobile phone? It’s an
____________ play in the street with boys and girls emergency.
from the neighbourhood. a. Must b. May c. Won’t
a. won’t b. must c. would 10. In many schools of England students ________ wear
3. ___________ I have some more wine, please? uniforms. It is compulsory.
a. Could b. Needn’t c. Would a. should b. must c. may
4. I ____________ believe my eyes. Is George the one 11. Sara’s daughter ___________ write perfectly when she
who is standing over there? was seven.
a. won’t b. mustn’t c. can’t a. might b. could c. mustn’t
5. They ___________ be the richest person in the village. 12. I ___________ let you know when I have more
He’s just bought two luxurious cars. information about the matter.
a. may not b. oughtc. must a. would b. will c. can’t
6. He __________ have studied more for the final exam 13. The worst __________ have happened, but fortunately
and spend less time playing with the computer. everybody came back safe and sound.
a. would b. should c. have to a. ought to b. might c. can’t
7. My bedroom _________ redecorating. I’m tired of the 14. The problem was so difficult that even the teacher
old furniture. ____________ solve it.
a. has to b. may c. needs a. may b. needed c. couldn’t